English Curriculum Overview
English 7
Trimester 1
Study Skills Unit – based on planner and Shortcuts To Success
ME Portfolio – creating an original short story and writings incorporating memoir
Memoir Study-defining and examining memoir
Trimester 2
Short Story Unit – focus on basic literary terms and plot line: exposition, rising action, climax, resolution; pulling meaning from text
Novel – fiction with focus on basic terms and plot line
Poetry Study and Portfolio- collection of poetry greats and original writings from student
Trimester 3
Media Literacy – Focus on informed consumerism; text: Made You Look
Novel – Fiction: reading of one in-class book and one out of class with book presentation
Essay- American Experience
In All 3 Trimesters
Parts of speech, grammar (DOL), sentence types, journaling, test vocabulary, sentence combining, independent reading
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***Challenge classes are for students who have an aptitude in this subject or who feel they want more rigor and can work well independently. Challenge classes will be faster-paced and feature more in-depth coverage of the content.
English 8
Trimester 1
Outlines – focus on structure for use in various situations
Research project/nonfiction – focus on main idea, pt. of view, fact vs. opinion, graphic
interpretation, objective statement of topic with two distinct sides
Novel – nonfiction with focus on reviewing 7th grade lit terms
Trimester 2
5 paragraph essay – refer to focus ideas from research project and outlining
Position pieces – persuasive writing standard
Novel/Short story – focus on sarcasm, irony, parody, satire, mood, tone
Test prep – focus on MCA/SAT10 strategies, general skills and vocabulary
Trimester 3
Novel/Drama – nonfiction or realistic fiction, focus on sarcasm, irony, parody, satire, mood, tone; one in class and one out of class with an in-class presentation
Narrative writing - standard
Performance piece – speeches, debate, formal vs. informal speaking, etc…
In All 3 Trimesters
Grammar, writing process, journaling, test vocabulary, sentence structure, roots/prefixes/suffixes, independent reading
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***Challenge classes are for students who have an aptitude in this subject or who feel they want more rigor and can work well independently. Challenge classes will be faster-paced and feature more in-depth coverage of the content.
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